DeKalb County, GDOT Partner in New Lighting and Beautification along Interstates and Roadways

CEO Thurmond: Gateway beautification plan will increase pride, attract businesses and reduce crime

Approximately 20 acres of I-20 and I-85 interchanges, including Chamblee Tucker and Flat Shoals Roads, have or will receive multimillion dollar facelifts. 

These interchanges and roadways are among the most highly traveled highways in DeKalb County.

“I thank Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Commissioner Russell McMurry and GDOT for their partnership in this Gateway Beautification Project,” DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said. “These enhanced gateways will create positive first impressions of our county for tens of thousands of travelers. No matter where you enter or leave DeKalb—north, south, east or west—these beautified gateways will send a message that DeKalb County is a beautiful place to live, work and play.”

The Gateway Beautification Project is designed to increase community pride, attract new business investments and reduce crime.

According to research conducted by Eugenia C. South, faculty director for the Urban Health Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, litter and blight mitigation efforts, along with the planting of new grass and trees, resulted in a decrease in criminal activity in urban high-crime areas.

“The Candler Road interchange has been landscaped and will also benefit from the installation of new LED lighting,” CEO Thurmond said. “We are confident these investments will improve public safety and enhance the quality of life.” 

Russell Landscape won the bid to design and install the projects which include new trees such as bald cypress, maples, crape myrtles and an array of flowering trees. Russell will also provide weekly maintenance.

Additionally, accent plants such as hydrangea, ornamental grass, holly, abelia and perennials are being planted in large masses with curves and undulations to create movement within the landscape that is easily viewed by travelers. 

The Gateway Beautification Project is the crown jewel of the county’s eight-year blight eradication and beautification initiatives, totaling more than $20 million, which included:

• The demolition and abatement of nearly 700 properties since 2017. 
• Increased maintenance, mowing, tree trimming, herbicide, litter removal and curb bumping of county properties and rights-of-way.
• Worked with MARTA to clean up and beautify bus stops in the county.